What is a sapphire?
A sapphire is a gemstone that belongs to the corundum family. While natural sapphires are most typically found as blue gemstones, the name describes corundum in a range of colours except red — these are known as rubies.
While beautiful, sapphires are also tough. These gemstones are also celebrated for their hardness, with an impressive nine on the Mohs scale registering just a step below diamonds. This durability makes sapphires an excellent choice for jewellery that withstands daily wear.
Sapphires’ popularity extends beyond their beauty — they also symbolise wisdom and nobility. You’ll often find them gracing historical artefacts and royal jewels. This blend of durability, beauty and symbolism makes sapphires a perennial favourite in the world of jewellery.
Where do sapphires come from?
Sapphires originate from various locations. Each source — whether traditional or modern — adds a unique twist or characteristic to their stones, be it the diversity in colour, size or distinctive qualities.
Historically, popular sources of sapphires include:
- The valleys of Kashmir which yield sapphires of cornflower blue. Kashmir sapphires’ scarcity and historical significance make them exceptionally sought after today.
- Burma, now Myanmar, is renowned for producing deep and vivid blue sapphires that radiate with a velvety sheen.
- Ceylon, the old name for Sri Lanka, produces sapphires in various colours. The island's rich gemstone history adds a layer of glamour to these stones, with many of the most famous sapphires originating in the area.
- Recently, regions like Australia, Madagascar, Montana (USA) and Thailand have become significant sapphire producers. This geographical diversity not only makes sapphire shopping a global affair but also ensures a variety of choices for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
What colours can sapphires be?
Sapphires range from the deepest blues to vibrant hues, making them a versatile choice for any style or occasion.
Blue sapphires
When it comes to blue sapphires, the most coveted shade is a rich, velvety blue.
This type of colour is often described as 'royal blue'. This hue is prized for its depth and intensity, which allows the gem to exhibit a luminous quality — especially under natural light.
Royal blue sapphires appeal for various reasons. They’re neither too dark nor too light, allowing the stone to sparkle with eye-catching saturation.
Fancy sapphires
Fancy sapphires refer to sapphires in any colour other than blue. Each offers its own charm, allowing collectors to pick a shade that suits their tastes. Popular non-blue sapphires include:
- Pink sapphires, a vibrant alternative to blue with a romantic touch.
- Green sapphires present a more understated elegance. These can range from subtle to an almost emerald-like deep green.
- Padparadscha sapphires are a rare variation originating in Sri Lanka. With their unique blend of pink and orange, these stones are exotic and highly desirable.
- White sapphires provide an affordable alternative to diamonds.
- Yellow sapphires offer a cheerful brightness that brings pieces to life.
In terms of popularity, some colours may not have the same level of market demand as blue. This potentially affects their value. However, for those seeking a personal touch, fancy sapphires can be an excellent alternative to traditional blue.
Which colour of sapphire is the most expensive?
Traditional blue sapphires can fetch a wide-ranging amount of money. Typically, though, high-quality stones originating from desirable areas are the most expensive. Blue Kashmir sapphires, in particular, can demand a small fortune.
Likewise, among the range of fancy sapphires, Padparadscha is typically the most expensive source. Its rarity and enchanting exotic blend of pink and orange sets it apart in both price and desirability. This makes it a coveted treasure for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
